Holiday Seasoning Cures

'Tis the Seasoning

Peppermint isn't the only herb with a lot to offer."Seasonings can help with everything from insulin regulation to indigestion," says Wendy Bazilian, R.D., author of The The SuperFoods Rx Diet. Seek out these seasonal spices for great flavor and benefits.

Peppermint for Bloating

Feeling bloated from all those rich holiday meals? Have a candy cane. Yes, really. A new study in the journal Pain confirms what naturopaths have long suspected: Peppermint can ease the intestinal distress. Researchers discovered that the mint activates an "anti-pain" mechanism that soothes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It doesn't take much to feel the benefit, just a small piece will do. For a sugar-free option, sip a cup of peppermint tea or try peppermint capsules sold in health-food stores.